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At the 54th Pallottine Teenage Federation Conference, youths stood up as witnesses of the faith for each other.
The theme for the weekend, which attracted 240 teens from around the archdiocese, was “Consecration Without Intimidation.”
“Personally, I like the theme,” said Chris Velleca, 17, president of the Pallottine Teenage Federation and parishioner of Holy Child on Staten Island. He noted that the theme was chosen in a vote of the federation’s “whole council.”
“It’s a way to say we have to stand by our faith, especially in this world where people who are very active in their faith can be ridiculed,” he said. “This helps me and the other kids really rally behind our faith.”
The conference, held Dec. 4-6 at Honors Haven Resort and Spa in Ellenville, was sponsored by the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate, also known as the Pallottines.
Chris told CNY in an interview that like most PTAF events, the weekend was “made by teens for teens.”
“It’s a better way to connect,” he said.
Other leaders for the 2015-2016 year are Garrett Linnane, St. Stanislaus, Pleasant Valley, vice president; Bryan Lescano, St. Joseph’s, Staten Island, secretary; and Joseph Sarubbi, St. Catharine of Alexandria, Blauvelt, program chairperson.
Dr. Michael Fowlin, popularly known as Mykee, served as the weekend’s keynote speaker. He discussed race, discrimination, violence prevention and personal identity through the use of storytelling, poetry and performance art. The title of his presentation was, “You don’t know me until you know me.”
A concert was performed by DJ Bill Lage, a familiar presence at youth rallies across the nation and the creator of the “Catholic Dance.” Other activities included karaoke, swimming and basketball.
Spiritual activities included a Mass on Friday evening offered by Father Michael Martine, pastor of Holy Rosary parish on Staten Island and spiritual director of the Pallottine Teenage Federation; and a Mass on Saturday evening celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Walsh, vicar for clergy. There was also Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Father Martine, who has served for 13 years with the PTAF, said gathering together enables the teens to “see how important it is for them to have a relationship with Christ, especially in the face of the many challenges in our society today.”
Service awards were given to former youth leaders. The honors were presented to Amanda Voglio of St. Francis of Assisi parish, West Nyack; Victoria Zaccardo of St. Joseph’s, Staten Island; Caitlyn Gould of Sacred Heart, Staten Island; and Kayla Franzken of St. Stanislaus, Pleasant Valley. Service awards were also presented to Cristian Lliguicota, St. Joseph’s, Spring Valley; Sarah Franzken, St. Stanislaus, Pleasant Valley; and Nicole Mc Murray, St. Joseph’s, Staten Island.
Apostolic awards were presented to youth from St. Stanislaus parish in Pleasant Valley for their outreach and service to the parish and community and to the Vincent Pallotti Youth Ministry Center in Monroe.
Adults were not neglected during the weekend. Youth ministry awards were given to Michele Mc Murray of St. Joseph’s, Staten Island; Rita and Richard Sarubbi of St. Catharine of Alexandria, Blauvelt; and Cindy and Michael Zaccardo of St. Joseph’s, Staten Island.
Mother Ivete Garlet, C.S.A.C., the general moderator of the Pallottines, who was visiting from Rome, attended the conference.
Andrea Tighe, a parishioner of St. Stanislaus in Pleasant Valley who is also an adult advisor and retreat director with PTAF, said, “What is so amazing about these events is that one minute the teens are playing basketball and shortly thereafter they are standing next to each other (at) Mass or in adoration.”
“They are really witnesses of the faith to each other,” she said. “The young people see the bigger Church and that they are not alone in their mission, their beliefs and their faith.”
President Velleca’s sentiments echoed that point. “There are just so many of us,” he said. “It’s empowering. There are 240 kids here this weekend. You can see you are not alone.
“It’s really inspiring.”
